FLINT, MI -- Following his State of the Union address Tuesday evening, Jan. 28, President Barack Obama spoke briefly with Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Flint, about Kildee's concern for a local man detained in Iran, according to a Kildee spokesman.

“Immediately after the State of the Union address, Congressman Dan Kildee had an opportunity to speak briefly with President Obama about his constituent, Amir Hekmati, who continues to be held in an Iranian prison," said Kildee Spokesman Mitchell Rivard.

Prior to the address, Kildee sent Obama a letter requesting the President bring up Hekmati during the speech.

Obama did not specifically mention Hekmati, but he did address ongoing concerns about Iran's nuclear program.

"But these negotiations don't rely on trust; any long-term deal we agree to must be based on verifiable action that convinces us and the international community that Iran is not building a nuclear bomb," Obama said in the speech.

Kildee "also had conversations on the House floor with both Secretary of State John Kerry and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power about Amir’s imprisonment," Rivard said. "He is very appreciative of the Obama Administration’s continued efforts to help facilitate Amir’s release and hopes that Iran will release him soon so he can be reunited with his family in Michigan. Obtaining Amir Hekmati’s release remains a top priority for Congressman Kildee."

Hekmati has been held since 2011 at Iran’s Evin Prison. Initially he was charged with espionage and sentenced to death. That sentence has been overturned but he has yet to face any new charges.

Rep. Dan Kildee has for months pushed for attention and action on Hekmati’s cause.

Kildee has long said that freeing Hekmati would serve as tangible proof that Iran is serious about cooperating with the international community.

"I am profoundly appreciative of your administration's continued efforts to help facilitate Amir's release," Kildee's letter to the President read. "Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to your address to Congress and the nation tomorrow."

In a statement, the Hekmati family said they are grateful for the continued efforts to free Amir Hekmati.

"Our family is eternally grateful for everything Representative Dan Kildee has done; as our Michigan Congressman, he and his staff have been tireless," read the statement. "We also thank those all over the world who have lent their voice to support Amir’s release. While Amir has been away from us for 883 days, much in solitary confinement for a crime he did not commit, we are hopeful that he will be released soon and that the Iranian authorities will see that Amir has been punished enough. My father, who is very sick, wants to see his son again. Releasing Amir would be a clear signal and tangible step as the two nations attempt to improve relations and resolve long-standing disputes"